Maternal and fetal serum insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), leptin levels and early postnatal growth in infants born asymmetrically small for gestational age

This study was planned to investigate the relationship between birth weight and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), and leptin levels in neonates with normal growth (appropriate for gestational age: AGA) and retarded growth (small for gestational age: SGA); and to evaluate these growth factors' effects in early postnatal growth. All newborns were full-term: gestational age 3,841 weeks. Of 50 neonates, 25 were SGA. IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and leptin levels were measured in maternal serum and venous cord blood at birth and at 15 days of life of neonates using specific RIAs. Maternal serum leptin concentrations were significantly higher than cord blood leptin concentrations (p < 0.001). Maternal serum IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and leptin levels did not show correlations with birth weight. In contrast, there were significantly positive correlations between birth weight and venous cord blood IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and leptin levels (p < 0.001). In the SGA group, the newborns with a slow postnatal growth pattern had lower umbilical cord serum IGF-I levels compared with newborns with a normal growth pattern. A similar result was also found in the AGA group. Similar results were not found for serum leptin and IGFBP-3. In conclusion, cord blood IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and leptin levels play an important role in the regulation of fetal and neonatal growth. It is likely that IGF-I has a more important role than the other factors in early postnatal growth.     

脐血IGF-1及IGFBP-3与胎儿生长发育的关系研究

目的探讨胰岛素样生长因子-1（IGF—1）及胰岛素样生长因子结合蛋白-2（IGFBP-3）与胎儿宫内生长发育的关系。方法将新生儿根据出生体重与胎龄的关系分为大于胎龄儿（IAG）、适于胎龄儿（AGA）、小于胎龄儿（SGA）三组,分别测定三组新生儿出生时身长、体重及胎盘重量,同时取脐血采用EUSA法测定IGF-1及IGFBP-3水平。结果①三组新生儿出生时身长、体重及胎盘重量3个指标比较差异均有统计学意义（P均〈0．05）。②脐血IGF-1及IGFBP-3水平在SGA、AGA、LGA三组间比较,LGA组〉AGA组〉SGA组,各组间比较差异均有统计学意义（P均〈0.05）。③胎儿发育的重要指标出生体重、身长及胎盘重量与IGF-1及IGFBP-3水平均呈正相关。结论IGF-1及IGFBP-3与胎儿生长发育密切相关,对胎儿的生长发育起重要的调节作用。     

极危重新生儿应用外周动静脉同步换血疗法的研究

目的探讨运用外周动静脉同步换血疗法治疗极危重足月新生儿的疗效。方法选择2008年7月至2011年12月在我院新生儿重症监护病房住院的足月危重症新生儿,运用同步换血疗法治疗的患儿为观察组,仅采用常规方法治疗的患儿为对照组。监测并比较观察组治疗前后实验室指标,包括血糖、血清Na+、K+、Ca2+、pH、碱剩余(BE)、凝血酶原时间(PT)、活化部分凝血激酶时间(APTT)、血清尿素氮(BUN)、肌酐(Cr)、白细胞介素-1(IL-1)、IL-6、IL-8和肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)等炎症因子的变化;比较观察组和对照组病死率和好转率。结果观察组9例,对照组11例。观察组治疗后血清Na+、K+、pH、BE、PT、APTT、IL-1、IL-6、BUN和Cr水平均较治疗前好转,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01或0.05);治疗前后血糖、血清Ca2+、IL-8、和TNF-α差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。观察组死亡6例,病死率66.7%,对照组死亡7例,病死率63.6%,两组差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论运用外周动静脉同步换血治疗极危重新生儿有助于内环境及凝血功能的稳定,并可致部分炎症因子下降。换血疗法可能是极危重症患儿的有效治疗方法之一。     

Effect of dexamethasone treatment on serum GH,IGF-I,and the binding proteins IGFBP-1 and -3 in ventilated very preterm infants

Very preterm infants developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia frequently show a compromised growth in the neonatal period especially when steroids are given to facilitate weaning from the ventilator. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term effect of dexamethasone (DEXA) on the GH-IGF axis in ventilated very preterm infants developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia. We studied 10 very preterm artificially ventilated infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia [median (range) gestational age 27.5 wk (25.9-32.0 wk), median (range) birth weight 970 g (610-2150 g)] immediately before and 2 d after the start of DEXA treatment. On both days of study, serum GH profiles were obtained, and serum IGF-I and IGF binding protein (IGFBP) -1 and -3 levels were measured. The ventilation score and the nutritional intake were calculated. Before the start of DEXA treatment, the median serum mean GH level was 12.0 microg/L (6-28.4 microg/L), whereas 2 d after the start of DEXA treatment the median serum mean GH level declined significantly to a value of 4.4 microg/L (1.7-11.9 microg/L). During DEXA treatment, mean, baseline, and maximal GH levels (Pulsar analysis) were significantly lower compared with pretreatment levels (p < 0.01, p < 0.01, and p < 0.05, respectively). Serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels did not decline during DEXA. Serum IGFBP-1 levels were significantly lower compared with pretreatment levels (p < 0.01). Serum GH levels during DEXA treatment were correlated with neither the time interval between the administration of DEXA and the second GH profile nor the cumulative DEXA dose administered. Ventilation score and nutritional intake did not significantly correlate with serum GH, IGF-I, or IGFBP-1 or -3 levels, either before or after the start of DEXA. Two days of DEXA treatment in very preterm ventilated infants has a suppressive effect on serum GH levels, without an acute decline in serum IGF-I levels. A concomitant decrease in serum IGFBP-1 levels was found.     

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 proteolysis and growth of athyreotic infants in the first weeks of life

To gain a better understanding of the growth of athyreotic newborns in the first weeks of life, we evaluated auxological parameters and determined the serum levels of growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and free IGF-I, and IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) in 15 hypothyroid infants (10 females) at a mean age of 25 d of life, immediately before the beginning of L-thyroxine therapy, and at 3 and 6 mo of life. Fourteen normal infants (9 females) of the same age were studied as controls. IGFBP-3 proteolytic activity was evaluated in 8 patients and in 8 controls at 25 d and 6 mo of life. There was no significant difference concerning weight and length between the patients and controls at birth, 25 d, 3 and 6 mo of life. The blood GH, IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels were significantly lower in patients at diagnosis than in controls of the same age (p < 0.01 for all parameters), as well as IGFBP-3 studied by Western blotting. At diagnosis, the patients' free IGF-I level was within the control range, but the free IGF-I percentage of total IGF-I was higher than in the controls (p < 0.01). IGFBP-3 proteolytic activity was found to be greater in the patients (p < 0.01). At 6 mo of life, after therapy, none of these parameters was different from those of the controls. CONCLUSION: Increased IGFBP-3 proteolytic activity in our patients at diagnosis, favouring IGF-I bioavailability, could account for normal free IGF-I levels and in turn for their normal growth pattern during the first weeks of life and before the start of treatment.     

The effect of corrective surgery on serum IGF-1, IGFBP-3 levels and growth in children with congenital heart disease

The aim of this study is to evaluate growth and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) levels in infants with congenital heart disease (CHD) pre- and postoperatively over a period of a year. Anthropometric values and serum levels of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 of 40 infants with CHD (20 cyanotic and 20 acyanotic) were compared with 32 healthy controls. Acyanotic infants and infants with pulmonary hypertension (PH) presented significantly more growth failure. Preoperatively, serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels were lower in the acyanotic group than the cyanotic and the control groups (p = 0.22; p < 0.01). The upward trend in IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels in this year-long study demonstrated that the values in the third month and the first year were higher than the preoperative values (p < 0.05). The parallel increase of weight gain and IGF-1, IGFBP-3 levels were the best evidence that these parameters are good nutritional indicators. Timing the corrective surgery before chronic malnutrition or PH develops is an important issue to maintain a normal growth for children with CHD.     

Influence of maternal smoking on neonatal aortic intima-media thickness,serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels

Epidemiological studies have reported associations between a range of cardiovascular risk factors such as smoking and intima-media thickness (IMT). Some reports indicate that the maternal tobacco smoking causes disturbances of the endocrine status of the foetus. There are several potential mechanisms by which insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) could modify atherosclerotic processes either locally or in a systemic manner. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of maternal smoking on neonatal aortic IMT (aIMT), serum IGF-I and IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) levels. Aortic intima-media thickness was measured in 28 neonates whose mothers smoked during the pregnancy and 28 control neonates. Mean and weight-adjusted aIMT were significantly greater in the neonates whose mothers smoked (0.455 ± 0.009 mm and 0.151 ± 0.005 mm/kg, respectively) than in controls (0.403 ± 0.029 mm and 0.118 ± 0.014 mm/kg, respectively). Birth-weight of newborns whose mothers smoked was less than that of the controls. The decreases in serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 observed in the infants whose mothers smoked were non-significant. Mean aIMT was negatively associated with birth-weight and IGF-I level. In conclusion, neonates whose mothers smoked have significantly increased aIMT. It might play a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in adult life.     

新生儿血清瘦素水平与生长发育关系研究

目的：探讨新生儿血清瘦素与生长发育的关系。方法：采用放射免疫法检测80例新生儿静脉血和脐血瘦素水平,其中66例足月儿分为大于胎龄儿(LGA)组18例,适于胎龄儿(AGA)组32例,小于胎龄儿(SGA)组16例。采用Rohrer’s指数=出生体重(g)×100/身长(cm)~3估测新生儿营养状态。结果：早产儿血清瘦素水平明显低于足月儿[(0.66±1.03)ng/ml vs(3.59±2.16)ng/ml],P<0.01;足月儿中AGA血清瘦素水平[(3.06±0.96)ng/ml]明显低于LGA[(4.03±2.22)ng/ml],而高于SGA[(1.13±1.98)ng/ml];足月新生儿血清瘦素水平与Rohrer’s指数、新生儿体重、胎龄呈显著正相关(r=0.61,0.68,0.62,P均<0.01)。结论：新生儿体内瘦素是反映新生儿的发育和营养状态的有用指标。[中国当代儿科杂志,2003,5(1):29-30]     

Role of leptin in growth and adiposity in early infancy: impact of nutritional pattern

This study was planned to investigate leptin levels under different models of nutrition and their relation with anthropometric parameters in early infancy. Sixty four infants (28 exclusively breast-fed, 15 exclusively formula-fed and 21 mixed-fed), aged 4 months were included and their leptin, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), and IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) levels were measured. Leptin, IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels of the three groups were not statistically different (P > 0.05). The results of our study questions the role of leptin as a link between nutritional pattern and adiposity-growth in early infancy.     

新生儿血清瘦素、生长激素、胰岛素样生长因子-1、胰岛素样生长因子结合蛋白-3水平与宫内发育的关系

目的 探讨瘦素(leptin)、生长激素(GH)、胰岛素样生长因子-1(IGF-1)、胰岛素样生长因子结合蛋白-3(IGFBP-3)在不同宫内发育状况胎儿中的变化,及对胎儿生长发育调控的作用.方法 2004年1月-2006年6月出生早产小于胎龄儿(A组)30例,早产适于胎龄儿(B组)36例,足月小于胎龄儿(C组)32例,足月适于胎龄儿(D组)37例.生后24 h内抽取患儿静脉血,用放射免疫法(RIA)检测其血清leptin、GH、IGF-1、IGFBP-3水平,组间比较采用及多元回归相关分析.结果 各组新生儿血清leptin、GH、IGF-1、IGFBP-3水平均存在明显差异(Pa<0.05,0.01),各指标基本呈C、A、B、D组次序由低到高,但A组IGF-1与C组差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);在A、B和C组,出生体质量与leptin、IGF-1、IGFBP-3呈正相关(Pa<0.01),而D组出生体质量与IGF-1呈正相关(P<0.01),与其他激素无相关性.结论 leptin、IGF-1、IGFBP-3参与宫内发育迟缓儿和早产儿宫内生长发育的调控.IGF-1在早产适于胎龄儿的宫内生长发育中也起调控作用,而leptin、GH、IGFBP-3均不是足月适于胎龄儿生长发育的主要调节因素.     

宫内发育迟缓与胰岛素样生长因子及其结合蛋白的关系

目的 检测宫内发育迟缓(IUGR)儿脐血胰岛素样生长因子-1(IGF-1)、胰岛素样生长因子结合蛋白-3(IGFBP-3)水平,分析这些指标的变化程度与胎儿期生长的关系。方法 将86例脐血标本分为IUGR(即小于胎龄儿)组和适于胎龄儿(AGA)组。采用竞争性放射免疫分析法(RIA)测定IGF-1水平,非竞争性免疫放射分析法测定IGFBP-3水平。两组间比较用t检验,两变量之间的关系采用相关回归分析。结果 与AGA组相比,IUGR组脐血IGF-1和IGFBP-3水平显著降低(P均<0.01);IGF-1、IGFBP-3均随胎龄及出生体重增加而增加(P均<0.01);IGFBP-3与IGF-1呈正相关(P<0.01)。结论 脐血IGF-1和IGFBP-3的含量可作为判断新生儿生长发育程度的一项客观生化指标。     

Best evidence-based practices: a historic perspective

Neonatologists, neonatal nurses, and others who care for critically ill newborns hope that the care they provide will improve the health and the neurodevelopmental outcome of these neonates. In this progressive era of neonatal medicine, we must pause to look backward even as we look forward, taking full advantage of the opportunity to reflect on our short history and to review several important events in neonatal medicine that have contributed in a meaningful way to the evolution of evidence-based neonatal care. Six interventions highlight why randomized controlled trials are necessary to understand the risks and benefits of our interventions with premature and critically ill infants. We hope this history of the evolving practice of evidence-based neonatal care will enable the reader to have a greater appreciation for the consideration of each and every intervention that we take on behalf of the infants in our care.     

Relation between serum insulinlike growth factor-1, insulinlike growth factor binding protein-2, and insulinlike growth factor binding protein-3 and nutritional intake in premature infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

BACKGROUND: The usefulness of serum insulinlike growth factor (IGF)-system-peptide measurement to assess the adequacy of nutritional intake in premature infants with chronic lung disease bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) was assessed. METHODS: Twenty-nine premature infants had serial measurements taken of their serum IGF-1, insulinlike growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-2, and IGFBP-3 concentrations between 2 and 6 weeks of age. Regression analyses were used to examine the relation between nutritional parameters and IGF-1, IGFBP-2, and IGFBP-3 concentrations in premature infants with and without BPD. RESULTS: The group of infants with BPD (n = 12) did not differ from infants without BPD (n = 17) in gestational age or weight at entry, but gained less weight during the study period. In infants without BPD, IGF-1 correlated positively with protein intake (r = 0.50) and caloric intake (r = 0.41) over the 3 days before sample collection and with weight change over the previous week (r = 0.46). In contrast, infants with BPD showed a significant correlation between IGF-1 and weight change (r = 0.54) only. There was a significant negative correlation between IGFBP-2 and protein intake in infants without BPD (r = -0.50) and in infants with BPD (r = -0.41). Negative correlations between IGFBP-2 and both weight change (r = -0.64) and caloric intake (r = -0.43) over the previous week were found only in the group of infants without BPD. IGFBP-3 correlated positively with weight changes and protein intake in both groups but correlated with caloric intake only in the group without BPD. Multiple regression analyses were used to determine significant independent variables associated with IGF-1, IGFBP-2, and IGFBP-3. In infants without BPD, significant independent predictors of IGFBP-2 were 7-day weight change and 2-day protein intake; 3-day caloric intake was the only significant independent predictor for IGFBP-3. For infants with BPD, 3-day weight gain was the only independent variable associated with serum IGF-1. Protein intake in the week before sample collection was an independent predictor of IGFBP-2 and 3-day weight change and 2-day protein intake were independent predictors of IGFBP-3. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm that changes in serum IGF-1, IGFBP-2, and IGFBP-3 reflect the nutritional status of premature infants and demonstrate that the relation between these proteins and nutritional intake differs in premature infants with and without BPD. Refinement of these observations by future studies may permit a more accurate determination of the protein and caloric intake sufficient for growth and repair after injury in premature infants with lung disease.     

Serum profiles of insulin-like growth factors and their binding proteins in adults with growth hormone receptor deficiency treated with insulin like growth factor I

Six adult patients with growth hormone receptor deficiency (GHRD) (2 men, 4 women) with an identical defect in the growth hormone receptor (GHR) gene, were treated with recombinant human insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), 40 μgikg S.C. twice daily, for 7 days. Serum concentrations of IGF peptide and IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) were measured by specific radioimmunoassays; serum IGFBPs were also measured by Western ligand blotting. The size distribution of both IGF-I and IGF-II was measured in serum following size-exclusion fast-performance liquid chromatography. IGF-I treatment resulted in a normalization of serum IGF-I levels on days 1–7 of treatment and a decrease in serum IGF-II levels. The fall in IGF-II levels and the simultaneous rise in IGF-I levels, however, resulted in an unchanged total serum IGF level. The low IGFBP-3 values did not significantly change during treatment, whereas there was a slight increase in IGFBP-2 levels. Preliminary analysis of size-fractionated sera suggested an increase in IGF-I levels in the 40 and 150 kDa regions at the expense of IGF-II levels. The results suggest that despite the failure of IGF-I treatment to increase IGFBPs significantly, serum IGFBP concentrations were sufficient to maintain normal levels of IGF-I. 0 Laron syndrome, growth hormone receptor deficiency, insulin-like growth factors, insulin-like growth factor binding protein     

The insulin-like growth factor and binding protein axis in children with end-stage liver disease before and after orthotopic liver transplantation

Over 50% of children with established cirrhosis have evidence of growth failure and malnutrition. Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is a successful treatment for many children and leads to improved growth and nutrition. Most of the anabolic actions of GH are mediated through the generation of the mitogenic polypeptide insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). Although this is synthesised ubiquitously, the bulk of circulating IGF-I is derived from the liver. The actions of IGF-I are modulated by a family of at least six high-affinity binding proteins (IGFBPs). Growth failure in end-stage liver disease, both before and after OLT, may result from abnormalities in the IGF-IGFBP axis. Children who had undergone successful OLT were studied before and after OLT. Anthropometry was measured by standard techniques. Serum IGFs, IGFBPs and acid labile subunit (ALS) were measured by RIA, IRMA, ELISA, Western ligand and immunoblotting. The most severely affected anthropometric parameters were skin fold thickness and mid-arm circumference. After OLT there was a marked improvement in these parameters. Chronic liver disease was characterised by low serum IGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP-3 and ALS levels with raised IGFBP-1 and -2 levels. Serum IGFBP-1 and -2 were negatively correlated with pre-OLT anthropometric parameters. After OLT, there was a rapid normalisation of serum IGF-I, while IGF-II and IGFBP-3 overshot to supranormal levels. ALS levels post-OLT remained below control levels. By 3 years post-OLT, IGFBP-3 had fallen to levels which were insignificantly different from controls. IGFBP-1 fell but remained above normal, while there was no significant change in IGFBP-2. Growth post-OLT correlated positively with serum IGF-I and negatively with IGFBP-1. In conclusion, chronic liver disease is associated with marked changes in body composition. These changes are associated with and may be caused by an impaired generation of IGF-I and altered production of IGFBPs. After OLT there is a marked improvement in growth associated with partial normalisation of the IGF-IGFBP axis. However, there are persistent abnormalities in this axis which may explain growth failure post-OLT.     

Serum insulin-like growth factor 1 in congenital heart disease

Serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), and a range of growth and nutritional variables were investigated in 62 infants with congenital heart disease and healthy controls. Infants with congenital heart disease were small, underweight, and had a reduced energy intake. Serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 concentrations were significantly reduced. Decreased IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels are observed in nutritional deficiency; similar findings in congenital heart disease suggest that undernutrition contributes to the poor growth of these infants. Serial measurements of serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 may be helpful in monitoring the effect of nutritional treatment in congenital heart disease.     

Growth, IGF system, and cortisol in children with intrauterine growth retardation: is catch-up growth affected by reprogramming of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis?

Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is one of the major causes of short stature in childhood. Although postnatal catch-up growth occurs in the majority of IUGR children, approximately 20% of them remain permanently short. The mechanisms that allow catch-up growth or, on the contrary, prevent IUGR children from achieving a normal height are still unknown. Our aim was to investigate whether intrauterine reprogramming of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis may be involved in postnatal growth retardation of IUGR children through a modulation of the function of the IGF system. Anthropometry, IGF system assessment, cortisol measurement, and lipid profile evaluation were performed in 49 IUGR children. Children were subdivided into two groups according to their actual height corrected for midparental height: CG (catch-up growth) group, 19 children with corrected height >or=0 z-score; and NCG (noncatch-up growth) group, 30 subjects with corrected height <0 z-score. CG children showed significantly higher birth weight (p < 0.005) and body mass index (p < 0.05). No significant differences in IGF-I, IGF-II, IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-1, IGFBP-3, soluble IGF-II receptor levels (IGF2R), IGF-II/IGF2R ratio, and relative amounts of IGFBP-3 circulating forms were found between CG and NCG children. None of the IGF system-related variables correlated with anthropometric indices. NCG children showed significantly higher concentrations of cortisol (p < 0.005) and cortisol levels resulted inversely to birth weigh (r = -0.34, p < 0.05), birth length (r = -0.36, p < 0.05), and corrected height (r = -0.44, p < 0.01). Whereas total and HDL cholesterol concentrations were not significantly different in the two groups, LDL cholesterol levels were significantly higher in NCG children (p < 0.05), and five of 49 showed LDL cholesterol concentrations >3.4 mM (130 mg/dL). LDL cholesterol was inversely related to birth weight (r = -0.31, p < 0.05), corrected stature (r = -0.32, p < 0.05), and actual height (r = -0.31, p < 0.05) and directly related to the levels of IGF2R (r = 0.44, p < 0.01). Reanalysis of 15 of 30 IUGR newborns in whom we previously reported an inverse relationship between cord blood cortisol levels and first trimester length gain (r = -0.54, p < 0.005) showed that the relative amount of the IGFBP-3 18-kD fragment was related inversely to cortisol (r = -0.67, p < 0.01) and directly to early postnatal growth (r = 0.65, p < 0.05). Our results suggest that catch-up growth in IUGR children might be affected by intrauterine reprogramming of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which may result in a permanent modification of the neuroendocrine response to stress: children with increased cortisol secretion may be at higher risk of growth failure. During the neonatal period cortisol might act by limiting IGFBP-3 proteolysis and, therefore, reducing IGF bioavailability.     

Insulin, insulin-like growth factors-I and -II and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 in newborn serum: association with normal fetal head growth and head circumference

The insulin-like growth factors (IGF) and their binding proteins (IGFBP) have been implicated in the regulation of fetal weight and length. The aim of our study was to determine the relationship between head circumference at birth and serum levels of IGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP-3 and insulin in full-term appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA) infants. Serum samples were obtained from 77 singleton full-term neonates, 69 AGA and 8 small-for-gestational age (SGA). The AGA infants were divided into three groups by head circumference: Group 1: < or = 3rd percentile; Group 2: at 50th percentile; Group 3: > or = 97th percentile. Serum levels of IGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP-3 and insulin were determined with commercial kits and immunometric methods. There were no statistically significant differences in mean serum levels of IGF-I, IGF-II and IGFBP-3 between the groups. A significantly higher mean serum insulin level was noted in the AGA infants with a head circumference > or = 97th percentile compared to those with a head circumference < or = 3rd percentile (4.6 +/- 0.3 vs 3.3 +/- 0.6 microU/ml; p = 0.04), and in AGA infants with a head circumference above the 50th percentile compared to those with a head circumference below the 50th percentile (4.4 +/- 0.4 vs 3.3 +/- 0.3 microU/ml; p = 0.01). AGA infants with a head circumference above or below the 50th percentile did not differ statistically in their mean IGF-II and IGFBP-3 serum level, while IGF-I differed statistically between the groups (18 +/- 2.7 vs 11.6 +/- 1.6 ng/ml, respectively; p = 0.045). Using univariate analysis, head circumference correlated positively with insulin (r = 0.29; p = 0.016) and with IGF-I (r = 0.26; p = 0.03). A stepwise multivariate linear regression analysis, however, did show statistically significant correlation of head circumference with birth weight (f = 36; p = 0.0001), and only marginally with birth length (f = 4.7; p = 0.06) and insulin (f = 3.4; p = 0.07). No correlations were found between head circumference and IGF-I, IGF-II or IGFBP-3. These data suggest that apart from genetic and nutritional factors, insulin may play a role in promoting intrauterine head growth, as reflected by head circumference at birth.     

Paediatric trainees and the transportation of critically ill neonates: experience, training and confidence

AIM: To study the experience of, training in, and confidence in the transportation of critically ill neonates amongst paediatric trainees in one UK region. DESIGN: An anonymized questionnaire was sent to all middle grades with paediatrics National Training Numbers from the Trent region. RESULTS: The response rate was 78%. Less than half (45%) of the respondents reported receiving any training in the transportation of neonates, either in the UK or abroad; 45% (30/66) of the trainees reported having performed 10 or fewer neonatal transfers. The self-perceived confidence for transporting neonates was scored on a 10-point scale, to produce a "confidence score", the median score being 7 (IQ range 5, 8). Both as a group and individually, the trainee paediatricians were more confident in transporting neonates than older infants or children (p < 0.0001). Using multiple analysis of covariance, it was found that the most important and significant variables affecting the "confidence scores" for the inter-hospital transportation of critically ill neonates were receipt of any relevant transport training, and the current frequency of transports performed. CONCLUSIONS: Many training-grade paediatricians lack both the experience and training in transporting critically ill neonates, factors that were found to affect their confidence in transferring sick neonates. As the overwhelming majority of neonatal transports in the UK are still arranged by individual units and performed by training-grade paediatricians, concerns regarding both the safety and effectiveness of the current service provision for the inter-hospital transfer of critically ill neonates remain valid.     

Associations of IGF-I, IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-3 on intrauterine growth and early catch-up growth.

Fetal cord blood IGF-I, IGFBP-1 and IGFBP- 3 levels of appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) babies are studied and followed up for 6-9 months, reevaluated for anthropometric measures and the effects of IGF-I, IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-3 on fetal growth and early catch-up growth is investigated. 23 AGA and 21 IUGR babies, totally 44 newborns, were included in the study protocol. IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels were found to be high in AGAs with respect to IUGR babies and IGFBP-1 is found to be high in IUGR with respect to AGAs. IGF-I was significantly lower in IUGR babies without catch-up growth (group 2b) with respect to AGAs (group 1) and neonates with IUGR and catch-up growth (group 2a) and group 2a infants had higher IGF-I values than group 2b infants (p < 0.05). IGFBP-3 levels in group 1 were significantly higher than in the other two groups (p < 0.05), but not significantly different in group 2a with respect to group 2b (p > 0. 05). IGFBP-1 values showed no statistically significant difference with respect to the three different groups (p > 0.05). A good correlation was found between birth weight, postnatal weight and postnatal height and IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels (p < 0.05) but not with IGFBP-1 levels. Aside from the height of the 3 groups of infants which were similar to each other after the follow-up period, IGF-I was significantly high in IUGR infants with catch-up growth with respect to IUGR infants without catch-up growth, indicating its importance in early catch-up growth of IUGR babies.